Safe destinations for Jews

Recent incidents in the United States have highlighted concerns for Jewish and Israeli travelers. In August 2026, a man was charged with federal hate crimes after attacking a congregant and a security guard during Shabbat services at a Manhattan synagogue. Additionally, a driver allegedly attempted to hit a Jewish couple outside a synagogue in Brighton, Massachusetts, while shouting antisemitic slurs. Nationwide, there has been a significant increase in antisemitic incidents, with 29 reported in the last 30 days, a 164% rise compared to the previous period, alongside protests featuring antisemitic slurs and heightened security around Jewish sites. In response, synagogues, including those in Cleveland, are training congregants to serve on volunteer security teams, reflecting a national trend to enhance safety during worship and community events. Despite these developments, the Israeli government maintains a 'safe to travel' status for the United States, advising travelers to exercise normal precautions; Jewish travelers should remain particularly vigilant during the upcoming High Holy Days.

In the first half of 2026 the UK recorded 1,926 antisemitic incidents, a 21% increase over the same period in 2025. Four men pleaded guilty to arson attacks on ambulances operated by the Jewish charity Hatzola in London, and a stabbing attack in Golders Green, London, in April 2026 was followed by 71 antisemitic incidents in the next three days. In response, the UK government has announced over £250 million in funding over the next three years to enhance security for Jewish communities, including additional officers in areas with substantial Jewish populations. Given these developments, the Israeli government advises travelers to the UK to 'be cautious when traveling.'

Australia has experienced a significant rise in antisemitic incidents, with a 270% increase since 2021 — the highest among major Jewish diaspora nations — including the terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney that killed 15 people, alongside growing anti-Israel sentiment and vandalism targeting Jewish sites. The Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion has concluded its hearings, revealing deep societal divides and heightened fears among Jewish Australians. The Israeli government has issued a 'be cautious when traveling' warning for Australia rather than labeling the country dangerous. The overall climate remains unsettled and demands vigilance from visitors.

In Canada, recent events have highlighted a troubling rise in antisemitism, including vandalism at synagogues, threats at pro-Palestinian rallies, physical hostility toward Jewish communities, verbal abuse, and intimidation on university campuses. Reports reveal pervasive antisemitism in educational institutions, leading some Jewish students to conceal their identities. The Israeli government advises travelers to exercise increased caution. While Canada remains democratically stable and maintains diplomatic relations with Israel, these trends pose significant risks to Jewish and Israeli travelers.

In the first half of 2026 Italy recorded 401 antisemitic incidents — a 14% decrease from the same period in 2025 but still far above the 2019-2022 average — including 303 cases of defamation and insults and 42 cases of antisemitic graffiti or displays. In August 2026 a 22-year-old French Jewish tourist wearing a kippah was assaulted twice in Rome's historic centre, including being pepper-sprayed and kicked by a group of four, with the assailants shouting "Free Palestine." A teenager was arrested for spreading antisemitic propaganda, and antisemitic graffiti targeting Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was found in Bologna, leading to the identification and denunciation of a 23-year-old French national. A controversial initiative to map Jewish and Israeli tourism, along with forms requesting reports on Jewish/Israeli presence, was condemned and removed by Italian authorities. Also in August 2026, an internal WhatsApp community of roughly 300 members linked to Roberto Vannacci's Futuro Nazionale movement — including party officials and local committee heads — was exposed carrying antisemitic and racist content and Hitler nostalgia; the movement's national leadership distanced itself from the group. The Israeli government advises travellers to Italy to exercise increased caution; visitors should remain vigilant in public areas.

In August 2026 Greece saw a series of incidents targeting Jewish and Israeli visitors. The Central Board of Jewish Communities in Greece reported intimidation, harassment and threats of physical violence against Israeli tourists and people displaying Jewish symbols; a mob attack on Israeli tourists in Crete left several injured; protests against Israeli cruise ships such as the 'Crown Iris' took place in Athens and Piraeus; antisemitic graffiti was found in Heraklion; and an 'anti-Zionist' march in Thessaloniki led to charges of incitement to violence with a racist motive against six individuals. The Israeli Foreign Ministry advises increased caution, urging travelers to avoid displaying Jewish or Israeli symbols and to stay away from gatherings. Greek officials, including Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni, have condemned the incidents, reassured travelers of their safety and emphasized a zero-tolerance approach to hate-driven aggression.

The Israeli government advises travelers to France to exercise increased caution. Recent incidents include the burglary of a synagogue in Levallois in which twelve Torah scrolls were stolen, a foiled attack targeting a synagogue in Sarcelles that led to multiple arrests, the vandalism of a Holocaust memorial plaque in Paris, a viral video of a shopkeeper in Les Deux Alpes making antisemitic remarks that triggered an investigation, a Russian man sentenced to eight months in prison for performing Nazi salutes near a synagogue, a supermarket altercation in which death threats were made against a Jewish couple, and antisemitic threats made against an Australian Jewish couple. Pro-Palestinian protests have also disrupted Jewish events. The French government has acknowledged a sharp rise in anti-Jewish acts, which accounted for around 53% of all anti-religious acts in 2025, and authorities have condemned these acts and taken legal action.

Iran remains the most hostile environment in the world for Jewish and Israeli travelers. The Israeli government has issued a 'do not travel' warning, categorizing Iran as 'very dangerous.' Tensions have escalated further: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called for Muslim unity against the United States and Israel, labeling them 'sworn enemies' of Muslim unity, and Iran has condemned new U.S. sanctions as 'economic terrorism' and 'crimes against humanity.' The regime has executed individuals accused of supporting the 'Zionist regime,' and the Revolutionary Guards have declared they have not ceased weapon production and that all options would be open in a potential war. Given these factors, the safety level for Jewish and Israeli travelers is assessed as 'dangerous.'

Jewish and Israeli travelers in Spain should exercise increased caution due to recent antisemitic incidents. A French Jew reported being humiliated, spat on, and fearing for his life by a large crowd outside a Barcelona synagogue. Antisemitic graffiti has been found on a Maimonides statue in Cordoba and on homes in Santa Maria and Mallorca. An Israeli couple also experienced panic during a migrant influx in Ceuta. These events, particularly the direct harassment in Barcelona, indicate a concerning environment for Jewish and Israeli visitors.

Jewish and Israeli travelers should exercise caution in Germany due to rising antisemitic incidents and hostility towards Jews. Recent reports indicate government actions against targeted groups, including a ban on an antisemitic organization and measures to combat public denial of Israel's existence. Despite government commitment to fight antisemitism, incidents of violence and threats continue, reflecting a troubling environment for the Jewish community.

In the past year, Argentina has taken significant steps to address antisemitism. In August 2026, a federal judge was removed from office for antisemitic remarks, marking a historic first. Additionally, in July 2026, President Javier Milei issued a decree allowing the expulsion of foreigners who spread hate against Argentina. While antisemitic incidents persist, with 713 recorded in 2025, the government's proactive measures indicate a commitment to combating such behavior. The Israeli government currently considers Argentina safe for travel, advising standard precautions.

In the past year, Ireland has experienced a notable increase in antisemitic incidents, with 143 reported between July 2025 and January 2026. Recent events include the refusal of two Irish Frisbee teams to play against an Israeli team in August 2026, and a protest in Dublin calling for boycotts of Israeli products in August 2026. Additionally, the Irish government has been vocal in its criticism of Israeli policies, such as the expansion of settlements in the West Bank. These developments suggest a rising trend in antisemitic sentiment and actions within Ireland.

Recent developments in Lebanon have heightened security concerns for Jewish and Israeli travelers. The Israeli government has issued a 'do not travel' warning, categorizing Lebanon as 'very dangerous.' This advisory is based on ongoing hostilities, including Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, which have resulted in civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Additionally, the League of Arab States has condemned Israeli actions in the region, further straining diplomatic relations. Given these factors, travelers are strongly advised to avoid visiting Lebanon at this time.

In the past year, Colombia has demonstrated a pro-Israel stance, including recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights and restoring diplomatic relations. No antisemitic incidents or hostility toward Israelis have been reported recently. The Israeli government advises travelers to exercise caution due to general security concerns in Colombia.

Recent reports indicate a concerning level of antisemitic incidents in the Netherlands, with 867 cases recorded in 2025, accounting for 26% of all discrimination offenses. On August 14, 2026, the Farmers Defence Force distributed Star of David stickers at a protest in Den Bosch, drawing condemnation from Prime Minister Rob Jetten and Jewish organizations for misusing Holocaust symbols. On August 1, 2026, deceptive flyers containing personal details of Israeli individuals were distributed during WorldPride Amsterdam under the guise of warning about 'war criminals.' Earlier reporting documented antisemitic chants by soccer fans in The Hague and a thwarted plot to bomb a synagogue, and a study found a persistently elevated level of online antisemitism since October 2023 that continues to translate into real-world hostility. The Israeli government advises travelers to exercise increased caution.

Recent reports indicate a rise in antisemitic incidents in Russia, including the arrest of 40 Israeli tourists in April 2026 on suspicion of links to Israel's war against Iran. Additionally, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory for Russia, urging caution due to potential legal issues for dual citizens and the risk of conscription. Given these developments and the Israeli government's travel warning, Jewish and Israeli travelers are advised to exercise heightened caution when considering travel to Russia.

In the past year, Singapore has maintained a stable environment for Jewish and Israeli travelers, with no significant antisemitic incidents reported. The Israeli government has issued a 'safe to travel' status for Singapore, advising travelers to exercise normal precautions. Recent events, such as the banning of two Massive Attack members for displaying a Palestinian flag during a concert, have not led to increased hostility toward Jews or Israelis. Singapore's diplomatic relations with Israel remain positive, and the Jewish community is well-integrated and influential within the country.

In the past year Switzerland has experienced a significant rise in antisemitic incidents. The Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities recorded nearly 2,200 online cases in 2025, a 37% increase over the previous year, alongside 177 public incidents including verbal and physical assaults and graffiti. Recent events include a stabbing near a synagogue in July 2026, and in August 2026 the authorities blocked an unauthorized pro-Palestinian demonstration titled 'Death to Zionism' announced for August 29 in Basel. The Swiss government describes the surge as a serious challenge to social cohesion and security and has proposed legislation banning Nazi symbols in public spaces. Despite these concerns, the Israeli government maintains a 'safe to travel' status for Switzerland, advising travelers to exercise normal precautions.

Austria has experienced a concerning rise in antisemitic incidents, with 1,532 cases recorded in 2025 — the highest number since monitoring began, averaging over four per day. Israel-related antisemitism was the most common form, accounting for 77.4% of incidents. In May 2026 a physical attack with a hunting knife was reported in Vienna, and in March 2026 a Chabad house in Salzburg was defaced with swastika and Palestinian flag stickers; a recent dispute at the Mauthausen Concentration Camp Memorial over a 'Free Palestine' shirt required police involvement. The Interior Ministry recorded 1,986 far-right, xenophobic, racist, Islamophobic or antisemitic offenses in 2025, a significant increase over previous years. The Israeli government advises travelers to Austria to exercise increased caution; Jewish and Israeli travelers should remain vigilant and stay informed about local developments.

Recent events in Sweden have raised concerns for Jewish and Israeli travelers. In July 2026, a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Stockholm featured a mock Auschwitz gate with 'Arbeit Macht Frei' replaced by 'Gaza', prompting police reports of incitement against a group. A Jewish doctor reported being dismissed after complaining about a colleague's antisemitic remarks. A 2026 study found that 73% of Swedes view antisemitism as a problem, and local leaders are calling for reforms to ensure Jewish safety. The Swedish government has allocated funding for a study on the reporting of antisemitic hate crimes as part of wider efforts against antisemitism. The Israeli government advises travelers to exercise increased caution when visiting Sweden.